Shark Focus - Issue 67 by The Shark Trust

THEPICTUREBIGGER SH RKF O C U S DAY IN THE LIFE CELTIC ECO-TOURSDEEP EATINGCOMPETITIVE WHO ARE THE BIGGEST EATERS? HOW SHARKS FIT INTO THE ECOSYSTEM ISSUE 67 WINTER SYMBIOSIS2021 UNUSUALRELATIONSHIPSSHARK

WELCOME

This issue of Shark Focus comes to you as autumn brings, for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, shorter, colder days. While those in the Southern Hemisphere enjoy the first days of spring. It’s not just the seasons that are changing for us at the Shark Trust. The last 6 months have seen new members of staff joining the team and exciting developments. We’re working on bringing more exciting content to you. Both online and in Shark Focus. We also have some exciting plans for in-person events in the works for 2022! For this issue, we’re zooming out a bit. COP26 is a big focus for all right now. World leaders, activists and scientists join together to discuss climate change. To fit with the theme, we thought we’d take a step back and look at The Bigger Picture. In this issue we cover habitats and the environment around sharks. And how these are critical for all marine life, not just elasmobranchs. We also share news from the latest IUCN report. This issue also sees 2 competitions for our subscribers! We have an exciting competition for our Pup’s Club members. As well as one in our main magazine. Finally, you may have seen our 5 animated Shark Shorts videos posted onto our socials and YouTube channel. We plan on releasing more interesting and entertaining videos over the coming weeks. So, make sure you’re following us on social media!

DESIGN: Hazel crossfireagency.comGraham

THE LAST 18 months have been challengingveryon many levels for us all, and it’s likely the next few months are to prove equally as testing for everyone, including the charitable sector. This is why we stay eternally grateful to each and every one of you for supporting us. Not just through the good times but the not so good times as well. Your manycraftlemonadecyclists,we’veyear,justsupportyoufundraisingdonationssubscriptions,andthemanyeventstakepartintoourworkareinvaluable.ThislastdespiteCOVID,seenswimmers,runners,bakers,sellers,creationsandsomorefundraising efforts come in. You’re superstars. And the Staff and Trustees send their sincere thanks to you all for your generosity and the amazing activities you undertake to raise money to help sharks. It’s been brought to my attention some subscribers are having issues with PayPal. We’re membersencouragingtotransfer over to Direct Debits. This can be done through the website following the Join Us wouldlink. like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy & Healthy 2022. Thank you all for your support throughout the year. With your help The Shark Trust can continue its much-needed work.

GLENYSHOUSEKEEPINGHEAFIELD Company Secretary Head of Finance & Administration

COVER: Spotted Eagle Ray in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, by Nick RobertsonBrown 2.

WELCOMEWELCOME winter2021 ISSUE 67 ADDRESS:TRUSTSHARK 4 Creykes Court, The Millfields, Plymouth, PL1 3JB, UK PHONE: +44 (0)1752 672008 EMAIL: focus@sharktrust.org WEBSITE: www.sharktrust.org TRUSTEES: Peirce.KennardCharlesSarahCovey,Ensell-Bowen,JayneRogerDanFairweather,FowlerOBE,Hood,TomandRichard

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PATRONS: Steve Backshall, Nick Baker, Boyle, Leonard Compagno, Marc Dando, Bob Earll, Nigel Eaton, Ian Fergusson, Mariella Frostrup, Loyd Grossman, John Gummer MP, Monty Halls, Martha Holmes, Kate Humble, Sir David Jason OBE, Gordon Ramsay OBE, Simon Rogerson, MichaelaStafford-Deitsch,JeremyStrachan and Valerie Taylor. Shark Trust 2021 Shark Focus is copyrighted so those wishing first contact the Shark Trust. The views and opinions expressed by the authors are not necessarily those of the Shark Trust.

John

to reproduce articles must

JONESLBENJAMIN/WINTERTERRY/PHOTOGRAPHYFROGFISH/DANDOMARC© 3.sharktrust.org FEATURES 08 THE BIGGER PICTURE: Sharks in the ecosystem 10 UNDER THE WAVES Habitats of the Ocean 12 COMPETITIVE EATING An Infographic 14 HANGING OUT WITH... Shark Symbiosis REGULARS 04 YOUR VIEWS 0 6 GLOBAL SHARK NEWS 18 . SHARK TALK Ali Hood 19 SHARK TALK Paul Cox 22 FUNDRAISING 24 . CREATURE FEATURE Cownose Ray 28 PUP’S CLUB CONTENTS 06 . 28 . 26 . 10 . DAY thein LIFE Where’s WALLY? GLOBAL Shark news HABITATS 08 . THE BIGGER PICTURE 16 GREAT HAMMERHEAD Poster 20 PORBEAGLE Project Update 21 SHARK SHORTS Project Update 26 SHARK CAREERS A Day in the Life with Rich and Emma from Celtic Deep The story so far

Terms & Conditions Entries close at 2359 (GMT) on February 28th 2022. Any entries received after this time will not be counted. The winner will be emailed after this date.

YOUR views

WEDDING BELLS YOUR VIEWS Send

We’ve got a copy of the brand-new Pocket Guide to the Sharks of the World to give away to one lucky reader. To be in with a chance of winning, we want you to create something that showcases a species of shark or a fact about sharks. You can submit a piece of art, a short video (no longer than 14 seconds), a poem –whatever you like. Our favourite entry will win the book, feature in the next issue of Focus and on our socials!

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Huge congratulations to newlyweds Mrs and Mrs Burton! The couple held their wedding this summer after cancellations due to COVID. The Shark Trust got a big shout out, with our pin badges being used as wedding favours! The couple reported that the guests loved them, and they were really proud to see everyone wearing them. They also announced at the wedding that Hannah is pregnant, and they’re expecting a baby girl in February. She’ll be signed up to the Pup’s Club right away!

Congratulations again and thank you from everyone at Shark Trust for your support. And allowing us to be a part of your special day. your questions, comments and photos to focus@sharktrust.org and you may appear in our next issue.

SUBMIT YOUR PIECE Video, picture, art or poem to focus@sharktrust.org

COMPETITION

Guests with the happy couple on their big day

Overfishing fishing is the universal threat OF ALL SHARKS AND RAYS TO THE EDGE OF EXTINCTION

RESULTS FROM new research shows that one third (32.6%) of chondrichthyan species are threatened with extinction due to overfishing. The findings show a significant increase since the last global assessment (which was conducted in 2014), which estimated that 24% were threatened with extinction. Advancements in data collection have helped to uncover that the estimates are now significantly higher, and have helped to highlight the main threats.

@SharkTrustUK 5.

NEWS UPDATE: IUCN 2021 Update OVERFISHING PUSHES ONE-THIRD

affecting all 391 threatened species. Other threats include: loss and degradation of habitat, climate change and pollution. These findings make for a sobering read, but we can halt the decline of these species. Using science-based limits on fishing, effective marine protected areas, and approaches that reduce or eliminate fishing mortality. If implemented soon, these will minimise mortality of threatened species and ensure the sustainable catch and trade of others.

GLOBAL news

First Case of ‘Virgin Birth’ in Species

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LaunchGLOBALSEPTEMBER//ofSharksInternational2022! We’re delighted to announce the launch of Sharks International 2022! This hybrid event will bring together a community of shark and ray researchers, communicators, and advocates during a five-day online event, followed by a three day in-person event held at L’Oceanogràfic in Valencia, Spain. The main theme of the conference will revolve around the Challenges of Elasmobranch Conservation. We’re excited to be coordinating the conference alongside our partners at Lamma and SUBMON and can’t wait for October 2022!

BabyITALYAUGUST//SmoothhoundCouldBe

The first Angel Shark photographed in Welsh Waters

NEWSGLOBAL

SixgillIRELANDJULY//SharkFilmed in Irish Waters for the First Time! Marine scientists in Ireland recorded what is thought to be the first video footage of a Sixgill Shark in Irish coastal waters. Usually found off the continental shelf at depths of 200-2,500m, researchers believe the coastal site where this 4m individual was spotted is a significant spot for Sixgills. The identification of this area could have significant implications for the conservation of this normally deepwater shark.

A marine centre in Sardinia got a shock after a female Smoothhound gave birth despite being housed in a tank with only female sharks for ten years. Known as parthenogenesis, this mode of reproduction occurs without an egg being fertilised. ‘Virgin birth’ has been documented in other species of shark, this discovery is thought to be the first recorded for this species. It’s not known exactly why it occurs. Scientists believe it’s in response to a lack of reproductive partners.

WALES // Critically Endangered Angelshark Filmed for the First Time in Welsh Waters! Amazing news for Angelshark’s in Wales after Jake Davies (Angel Shark Project: Wales Co-ordinator) filmed a Critically Endangered Angelshark whilst on a dive in North Cardigan Bay. This exciting encounter is the first time this species has been caught on film in Welsh waters. The Angelshark was identified as a juvenile, proving this shark is reproducing in the region. This footage provides a glimmer of hope for this species which is from one of the most threatened families of chondrichthyan in the world.

SEPTEMBER

Ali (centre) recieves her award

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GLOBAL // Tiger Shark Genetics Reveals Two Distinct Population Given their extensive range across tropical and warm temperate oceans and ability to travel long distances, scientists previously thought Tiger Sharks were able to interbreed. But after analysing the genome of 242 Tiger Sharks across 10 regions, two distinct populations have been identified. The Atlantic population, and the Indo-Pacific population. Confirming that despite their ability to travel far and wide, individuals from these two populations do not mix. This new discovery reinforces the need for population specific fisheries management to preserve the genetic diversity of this Near Threatened oceanic shark.

OCTOBER

Our Director of Conservation, Ali Hood, has been awarded the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)’s Marine Conservation Award for her outstanding dedication to protecting sharks. She collected her award at a ceremony held at the House of Lords. Ali has headed the conservation team at the Shark Trust for nearly 20 years and tirelessly works to secure management and protection for vulnerable shark and ray species, and to hold governments and industry to account for their commitments. Ali comments, “It was amazing to receive such an award, and I’m grateful to IFAW for their recognition of shark conservation concerns.”

OCTOBER

Iran A butterfly ray, last recorded off Pakistan in 1986, has been rediscovered off Iran after more than 30 years. In 2019, scientists discovered the little-known Tentacled Butterfly Ray amongst a fisherman’s bycatch. Listed as Critically Endangered, possibly extinct, by the IUCN Red List, it was thought this ray had been wiped out across its range. But since the rediscovery in 2019, 367 specimens were recorded over the space of a year. A recently released study suggests southern Iran may be the last stronghold for this ray. Scientists discovered that it comprises an astounding 15% of all ray bycatch from trawl fisheries in the area. This really highlights the need for action before it’s too late.

Tiger Sharks in the Bahamas

/thesharktrust @SharkTrustUK 7. DAVIESJAKE©

UK Shark//Trust’s

Ali Hood wins IFAW’s Marine Conservation Award

sharktrust.org8. BIGGER PICTURE THE IN THIS SECTIONU

& 11 Under the Waves: Habitats of the Ocean 12 . CompetitiveInfographic:Eating

nderstanding the broader picture of our oceans helps with understanding the issues impacting sharks and the general health of our oceans. For example, we often can’t fully understand why a shark species is in decline unless we look at factors like the state of habitats, prey species populations and fishing practices. So, in this issue, we’re going to widen our view and look at the world in which sharks live. We’ll explore some key habitats and we’ll make some comparisons between the eating habits of sharks and other animals. Our final piece looks at symbiosis, and some of the animals that have a deep relationship with 10sharks.

@SharkTrustUK 9. PHOTOGRAPHYFROGFISH©PICTURE How do SHARKS fit into the broader ECOSYSTEM? 13 . InfographicBreakdown 14 & 15 Symbiosis: Hanging out with, and in, and on Sharks

M ost people can probably name a few land habitats. We walk meadows,throughwoodland and parks every day. It’s hard not to recognise them. But how many marine habitats can you name? From grasslands to forests, our oceans mirror the diversity of habitats on land. And provide life for all sorts of creatures.

SEAGRASS MEADOWS

Seagrasses are flowering plants that grow in sheltered, shallow waters along coastlines.

WAVES: Habitats of the OCEANS

Conor John, Science Communicator, learns more about the habitats that sharks live in.

10. UNSPLASH/JONESLBENJAMIN©

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MANGROVES One crucial habitat for sharks, is the mangrove forest. Mangrove trees (there are around 80 species) are the only kind of tree able to tolerate saltwater. They excrete the salt out of their large, waxy leaves. Their long, stilt-like roots rise in tangling sprawls out of the water. These allow Mangroves to survive the rise and fall of tides. They’re critical habitats, helping to prevent flooding and coastal erosion by offering a barrier against storm surges and waves. Additionally, the underwater mass of roots provide protection and cover for the young of many different species. From Lemon Sharks to Shovelnose Rays, and Blacktip Sharks to MangrovesWhiprays.provide a safe space for young fish to learn to hunt and feed, away from predators. As they grow, they begin exploring beyond the mangroves, before eventually leaving for good. Unbelievably, female Lemon Sharks return to the exact same mangrove forests they were born in, years later, to give birth to their own litter of pups.

Under the

Just like grasslands and meadows on dry-land, seagrass meadows host a variety of life. We typically think of rainforests as the “lungs of the earth”, but seagrass meadows capture carbon at a greater rate than tropical rainforests. They cover only around 0.1% of the seafloor, but seagrass meadows hold around 11% of the organic carbon in our oceans. One species commonly found in seagrass meadows, is one of the largest sharks in the world, the Tiger Shark. They patrol the meadows for prey like snakes, clams, crabs and squid. They also have a positive impact on seagrasses. Research has shown that the presence of Tiger Sharks scares off grazing animals like Dugongs. Meaning that meadows aren’t overgrazed and can flourish.

KELP FORESTS

Kelp are algae seaweeds that spread out in large forests. In the right conditions some species can grow up to 45m (150 feet) long and up to 45cm (18 inches) a day! Just like the mangroves, kelp provide vital three-dimensional underwater habitat. Perfect for spawning and nursing juvenile fish. Unlike mangroves and seagrass though, kelp forests thrive in cold, nutrient-rich waters. As kelp require sunlight to generate food and energy, they thrive in coastal, shallow waters. Whilst mangrove and seagrass meadows are fairly stable, kelp forests are more dynamic. They can disappear and reappear depending on ocean conditions and the number of herbivores that feed on them. Strong storms can wipe out large areas of kelp forest, by ripping the kelp from the seafloor, for example. Destructive fishing, pollution and damage from boats can also harm kelp forests. Marine protected areas (MPAs) offer some level of protection. But with climate change, abnormally warmer seas, changing weather patterns and ocean currents are becoming more frequent. This may directly impact kelp forests, regardless of MPAs. Many species of shark rely on the corridors within kelp forests to feed. The Horn Shark is known to frequent kelp forests. And research has even found that White Sharks hunt seals in them. Crucially, kelp forests provide suitable nursing habitats for many fish and prey species of sharks. Changes to kelp forests can affect the many species that live in them.

services provided on both local and global levels. They have grown with support from Swansea University and Cardiff University with whom they have worked closely to turn cutting edge research into effective conservation action educationaland schemes. Today, in 2021, they are working with WWF on the groundbreaking ‘Seagrass Ocean projectRescue’torestore the UK’s lost projectmeadows.seagrassThisisinspired by seagrass restoration and conservation efforts around the world. Seagrass CAPTURE CARBON AT A GREATER RATE THAN TROPICAL RAINFORESTS

Eagle Rays gliding above a seagrass meadow

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PROJECT SEAGRASS is an throughleadit2013,theirecosystems.oftomarineindependentNGOdevotedtheconservationseagrassSinceestablishmentintheyhavemadetheirmissiontosocietalchangeeducation, research, influence, and action. Through PROJECT SEAGRASS ORGANISATIONS WORKING WITH SEAGRASS: AN INDEPENDENT MARINE NGO DEVOTED TO THE CONSERVATION OF SEAGRASS ECOSYSTEMS. these key principles they hope to enable the seagrassandconservationonecosystemstotheecosystemsresiliencerecovery,recognition,andofseagrassaroundworld.Theywantbringseagrassforwardtheclimateandagendasmakeknowntheecosystem

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Ocean Rescue began with a UKmeadowshectaresre-establishTheirWalesrestorationareinDale,two-hectaresmall-scale,pilotinPembrokeshire2020.TherenowplansforinNorthandtheSolent.hopeisto2,500ofseagrassacrosstheby2030.

sharktrust.org12. % BODYOF WEIGHT WEIGHT CONSUMED INDAILY Kg average.anisthissoseveral,foreatnotanddayonegorge/feastwillspeciesSomeeaten.foodofamountdailyaverageandanimalsofweightsaverageonBased*0 5 10 15 20 25 30 1209060300150 Shrew:Pygymy 125%=5g Horse: 2%=10kg Hummingbird: 100%=4g Puﬃn: 80%=400g Human: 4%=2.5kg Swan: 30%=6kg Cheetah: 5.6%=2.8kg Shark:Whale 2%=21kg Shark:White 2.25%=17kg Whale:Blue 4%=4000kg Elephant:African 6%=130kg Ray:Manta 12%=27kg Panda: 15%=25kg Labrador: 1%=384g Porpoise:Harbour 10%=5.3kg CHART!THEOFF INEATERSBIGGESTTHEAREWHO KINGDOM?ANIMALTHE UPSTACKTHEYDOHOWBUTEATERS,BIGBEINGFORREPUTATIONAHAVESHARKS WORLD?THEINANIMALSOTHERTOCOMPARED DAY,PEREATENAMOUNTTHEATLOOKONLYCAN’TWECOMPARISON,TRUEAFOR TOO*.EATANIMALSBODYWEIGHTTHEIROF%WHATALSOBUT

But why does the pygmy shrew have to eat so much compared to the blue whale? Well, the smaller an animal, the larger its surface area is in relation to its mass. So smaller warmblooded animals will lose heat faster than large warm-blooded animals. A good analogy for this is if you put a small pebble and a large rock into a fire. If you leave them together until both are thoroughly heated. Once taken out, the pebble will cool off within minutes. But the large rock will stay hot for hours. It’s the same with animals!

UNBELIEVABLE

APPETITE 13.

@SharkTrustUK “ ” THE PYGMY SHREW... THAT WEIGHS 4.1G, CONSUMES 5G PER COMPETITIVEDAYEATING

B y comparing the percentage of their bodyweight that animals eat, we uncover some surprisingly big eaters. Topping off the chart is the Pygmy Shrew. An animal that weighs 4.1g consumes 5g per day! On the other end of the scale is the Blue Whale – which only consume 4% of their bodyweight daily. But why is this? It all comes down to size. And if the animal is warm-blooded (a.k.a. endotherms) or coldblooded (a.k.a. ectotherms).

For cold blooded animals, there isn’t the issue of losing energy through heat. Their metabolisms are also slower. This means they don’t need to take on as much food, as they aren’t using energy to maintain their body temperature. Warm-blooded animals do need to maintain their body temperature. They need to consume more food to create enough energy to warm their blood.

What about sharks? Well, most sharks are cold blooded. This means that their body temperature matches the temperature of the water around them. Consequently, sharks don’t need to consume a huge amount of food as their metabolisms areToslower.confuse things however, some sharks can warm themselves. White Sharks are “lamnid sharks”, they have a counter current heat exchange. This enables them to keep their body warmer than outside conditions. This heat is generated by a system of muscles that run down the length of theirThesebodies.can be used to generate quick bursts of energy. This unique adaption allows them to move incredibly fast in an instant whilst hunting. // This really shows that despite size and feeding styles, there is huge diversity in how animals eat. Here we breakdown why the biggest eaters of the animal kingdom aren’t the biggest animals

The Tiger Shark is known to have a genuinely large appetite. They will predate on almost anything. Feeding on venomous sea snakes, clams, crabs, squid, fish, sharks, rays, turtles, seals, dolphins, birds, carrion, and even human rubbish. They’re also referred to as “the trashcans of the sea”. They’ve been known to eat the most unusual items of any sharks. Tiger sharks have been found with all sorts of objects in their stomachs, from license plates to car tyres. One of the more unusual objects was a set of Senegalesetraditionaldrums!

SSHARKSHANGINGOUTWITH......ANDINSIDE

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harks are predators, but their relationships with different species can go far beyond predator-prey interactions. In fact, sharks have thriving relationships with a host of species... some are beneficial to the shark and some, not so much. These relationships are known as Symbiosissymbiosis.(fromthe Greek for “living together”) is any type of long-term interaction between two different organisms. It can be mutualistic (benefiting both organisms), commensalistic (benefits one organism but doesn’t affect the other) or parasitic (benefits one organism whilst harming the other). Sometimes symbiosis is obligatory, meaning an organism is dependent on the other for survival. Other times it’s optional when they can live Sharksindependently.haveafewdifferent symbiotic relationships. From Remoras to Cookie Cutter Sharks. Let’s take a look at some of these relationships. And find out why these are so important for both sharks and the other species involved.

REMORAS Remoras are pretty hard to ignore. When looking at videos or photos you’d be hard pressed to miss the fish often attached to sharks and rays. Growing between 30cm and 110cm (12-43 inches), depending on the species, remoras form a mutually beneficial relationship with sharks and rays. Also known as suckerfish, remoras have an adapted front dorsal fin which takes the form of an oval-shaped sucker. This has slatlike structures that open and close to create suction, allowing them to attach themselves to

COPEPODS Copepods are small crustaceans, some of which are parasites for sharks and rays. Clinging to the surface of a sharks on their skin, and in their gills, feeding off the shark. One unusual copepod attaches itself to the eyes of Greenland and Sleeper Sharks. The copepod permanently attaches itself to the cornea of the eye. Dangling down from the eye and feeding on it from the inside. This can damage the shark’s vision.

Remoras attached to a Nurse Shark Scars on a Gray’s Beaked Whale from a Cookiecutter Shark

These sharks are actually parasites themselves! Cookiecutter Sharks grow to around 31cm – 44cm. However, they attack prey much larger than themselves. They ambush their prey, which include Humpback Whales, Whale Sharks and even White Sharks! They use their thick lips to suck onto their prey. Their sharp teeth then cut into the skin and with a twisting motion, they rip off a chunk of flesh. All these species are a crucial part of the ecosystem. Parasitism may seem nonconventional. But these relationships have occurred over millions of years of evolution and these specialists are amazing examples of how species adapt to survive.

THEY HAVE THICK LIPS TO SUCK ONTO THEIR PREY

COOKIE CUTTER SHARKS

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...AND ON the skin of larger marine animals. The remora can adjust the level of suction - by sliding backwards the remora can increase suction, and can release itself by swimming forwards. But what benefit does this have for either party? Well, when attached to their hosts, remoras can clean their skin, feeding on any dead skin cells and parasites. In return, the remora benefits from a free meal, and protection provided by the host. They can also feed on scraps leftover by their host. Finally, they don’t have to use as much energy to move around and pass water through their gills.

COMMONSWIKIMEDIA/BANTINJOHN©

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GREAT HAMMERHEAD SCIENTIFIC NAME: Sphyrna mokarran MAXIMUM SIZE: 6m DIET: crustaceans.cephalopodsdwellers:Bottomstingrays,andAlso feeds on bony fishes and other sharks. DISTRIBUTION: Worldwide, tropical seas HABITAT: Coastal waters and semioceanic, at depths of 0 – 300m STATUS: EndangeredCriticallyPHOTOGRAPHYFROGFISH©

HAMMERHEAD

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SHARK

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FINALLY! AFTER MORE than five years of urging Atlantic fishing nations to heed the science and ban the retention of Shortfin Mako sharks, I finally have something positive to report!! Unlike all those previous November Focus editions, which saw me bemoaning the persistent failure of the Parties of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) to address the mako issue. This year I get to announce that we have – at long last - finally pushed this campaign over the Shortfinline.Makos are now prohibited from retention in the North Atlantic!

An amazing feat, which faced great resistance. And for those of you who’ve followed and supported the Shark Trust’s No Limits? campaign, you’ll appreciate we’ve been championing makos since 2014. Now the adopted ICCAT Recommendation is not perfect by any means. But it is remarkable because it presents a framework for a comprehensive rebuilding program not granted to other shark species within ICCAT, or any other high seas body. It’s a first! But the timeframe associated to the immediate ban is short, so we will keep fighting to extend the ban long-term to give the makos the break they need to recover. While also calling for additional measures to increase the survival of mako bycatch. So thank you. Thank you to all those who raised their voices for makos, who supported No Limits?: the overwhelming volume of support helped shift opinion and shook the European Commission to it’s core. Thank you to those champion Parties: Canada, Senegal, Gabon, and the UK – without these political voices this result would not have been possible. Thank you to all of the Shark Trust Team who helped keep this campaign fresh talk SO THANK YOU. THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO RAISED THEIR VOICES FOR THE MAKOS ALI HOOD DIRECTOR OF CONSERVATION and engaging despite the set-backs, and our partners in the Shark League and beyond: the watchword for dedication and persistence! It should not have been this hard, but we now have a reprieve for Makos, and a path ahead.

Some of the Shark Trust Team. From left to right: Conor, Rebecca, James, Ali, Cat, Heather, Caroline & Paul

more people. What to say and how to say it for best impact. There’s been some great research projects carried out (and thank you if you’ve helped out by answering the call for survey responses). We’ve also brought in outside expertise to help us build a toolkit to help others communicate more effectively. It’s been a fascinating journey so far and we hope to learn - and share - a lot more in the coming year. All for the benefit of shark conservation. As well as hosting Sharks International in October, 2022 is our 25th anniversary. So we have a few other surprises up our sleeve. We’d love you to join us at one of our planned events. Please make sure you keep up to date via social media or join our mailing list (via website homepage) if you haven’t already. Have a great festive season and all my best wishes for 2022.

I WAS JUST re-reading my Shark Talk from this time last year. Clearly when I wrote it, I was suffering from some sort of delusion. Something about “looking forward to returning to our desks in the New Year”. Well, that didn’t quite go to plan. But now, 18 months in, we’re finally getting back to normal. Or at least our new version of normal. We’re back in our refurbished office and we’re delighted to welcome three new team members – Conor, Caroline and James – to help us gear up for a very exciting 2022. I mentioned last year that we were embarking on a new communication project. This is now in full swing. For a start, we’ve employed Conor as our dedicated Science Communicator. First job: he’s taken over as the editor of Shark Focus. So, that’s a weight off my shoulders! Thanks Conor. We’ve also launched a series of Shark Shorts – 5 animated videos about sharks and shark conservation. You can find them on our YouTube channel along with more video content that we’ll be adding eachThere’smonth.a serious side to the ouratproject.communicationWe’relookingthebestwaytogetmessagetoreach

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PAUL COX MANAGING DIRECTOR Shortfin

19. SHARK talk sharktrust.org

18 MONTHS IN, WE ARE GETTINGFINALLYBACKTONORMAL Mako

20. DANDOMARC©

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Positively: after years of campaigning, the Porbeagle is now listed on Wildlife Treaties for trade and migration; and is a Prohibited species under the EU and UK’s commercial fishing regulations. But Porbeagle, especially mature females, remain vulnerable to recreational activities like sea angling. We’ve encouraged voluntary avoidance for many years, a request honoured by much of the angling community. Yet some Charter skippers continue to target Porbeagle for sport, seeking a game-fish experience. We have long thought that this Critically Endangered shark warrants protection from all fishing activity. To this end we’ve been working to fit the final piece in the Porbeagle protection puzzle! With opportunities only once every five years*, and despite previous knock-backs, we’ve (again) proposed Porbeagle for listing on the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). Changes in criteria now recognise the need to protect all Endangered and Critically Endangered species – it would be hard to believe anyone would object to increased protection for this amazing, yet highly threatened, British shark! Check out the next issue of Shark Focus for the *Speciesresult!canbe proposed for Wildlife and Countryside Act listing in a five yearly (Quinquennial) cycle.

SOUGHT FOR THEIR MEAT, FINS, AND FOR SPORT... the Director of Conservation, Ali Hood, explians the history of Porbeagle protection for

PORBEAGLE

Sought for their meat, fins, and for sport, they’ve been subject to uncontrolled fishing for decades. The resulting crash in numbers was reflected by the Northeast Atlantic population being declared Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2006.

PROTECTION

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T he Porbeagle Shark (Lamna nasus) is an archetypal shark: heavy bodied, classic grey to white colouration, and bearing a distinctive white flash on the trailing edge of its dorsal fin. Closely related to White Sharks ( Carcharodon carcharias) and Makos (Isurus spp.), it is one of the larger sharks found in British waters.

and

The is protected in much of the North Atlantic from commercial activity listed on International Wildlife Treaties. the a Critically Endangered species found in status listing on the Wildlife Countryside Act - the

UK waters. Securing protected wildlife

in the UK waters - through

ﬁnal piece of the puzzle. 2006 2008 2008 2009 2010 2012 2015 CR IUCN classify the Porbeagle as EndangeredCritically in the Northeast Atlantic EU introduces a catch limit Porbeagle listed on CMS EU reduces the limit by 25% EU adopts a 0 TAC Added to CITES* Appendix II Prohibited status for InternationalwatersadoptedPorbeagleinEU&forEUvesselsinwaters Listed on ProhibitedCITESstatus adopted in EU waters & for EU vessels in international waters Listing on the Wildlife & Countryside Act *CMS = Convention for the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals | *TAC = Total Allowable Catch *CITES = Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora PROJECT updates SCIENTIFIC NAME: Lamna nasus FAMILY: Mackerel Sharks (Lamnidae) MAXIMUM SIZE: 3.6m DIET: Small fish and squid DISTRIBUTION: Wide-ranging in temperate waters (except North Pacific). HABITAT: Coastal and oceanic waters from 0-1,800m deep. Prefers temperatures below 18°C but can tolerate -1–23°C STATUS: Vulnerable globally northwestEndangeredMediterranean.AtlantictheEndangeredCriticallyinnortheastandtheintheAtlantic. THE PORBEAGLE STORY INQUISITIVE AND BEAUTIFUL , the Porbeagle Shark is a Critically Endangered species found in UK waters. The shark is protected in much of the North Atlantic from commercial fishing activity and listed on International Wildlife Treaties. WITH FUNDING from Animal Friends, we have produced five “Shark Shorts”. These animated videos explore some key topics and issues. And they’re on our andsharktoeasyThey’rechannelYouTuberightnow!quickandintroductionsconceptslikediversityoverfishing. With our excitingexpectprojectcommunicationsnewunderway,toseemorecontenton our socials in the coming months. Scan the QR code and check out Shark Shorts on YouTube! 5 NEW ANIMATED VIDEOS GO LIVE! 21.

shark

ﬁshing

Porbeagle Shark is

(1981)

and

Listed on CMS THE PORBEAGLE STORY Inquisitive and beautiful,

@SharkTrustUK

H opefully, you’ve seen that we have been talking about legacies recently. This is a new area for us but one that has the potential to really safeguard the Shark Trust for the future. And more importantly safeguard sharks. Thanks to those of you have already left a gift in your Will. Your generosity has been overwhelming. We’re very grateful. Did you know 31 million UK adults don’t have a Will in place? That’s 3 out of 5 adults. Meaning that 3 out of 5 adults don’t get to control who their finances, estate and personal belongings go to. For our members we have a limited number of wills available free, worth £90, through our partners Farewill. With no obligation to leave a gift. After you’ve considered and made provisions for your loved ones, I’d love to ask you to consider leaving a gift to the Shark Trust. To claim a free Will visit the link via the QR code (scan with your phone camera). HAS THE POTENTIAL TO REALLY SAFEGUARD THE SHARK TRUST FOR THE FUTURE

“ ” LEGACIES...

22. sharktrust.org/fundraise FUN draising LEGACIES

A lasting legacy for sharks

THANK YOU to our wonderful supporters who took on the Coast 2 Coast this summer. This was an incredibly challenging event. 100km of unforgiving terrain across Exmoor down to the south coast in Dawlish. The weather wasn’t forgiving either with thunderstorms at the start. Nevertheless, the teams carried on, all doing fantastically well! Despite the weather, everyone had a smile on their face at the finish line! I was there to greet them at the end and it was a pleasure to meet a small proportion of our supporters. Together they raised an incredible £3,315.55. Thank you and a huge well done to Jacob, Grace, Louise, Ned, Emma, Rhiah and Sean. You all did brilliantly. Michael ran the Great North Run dressed up as a shark, on a very hot day adding another level to the challenge and raising £495. ▲ ▲ Liam for the second time has raised walking£250.7450miles in February. Thank you so much Liam, it’s wonderful to have your support.

23. FUN draising

THANK

Our 2022 events calendar is now up on our website (scan the QR code). If you’ve been inspired by any of our wonderful fundraisers and would like to take on you own challenge next year - the website a great place to start! Or get in touch with me: heather@sharktrust. org. I’d love to hear from you. YOU Bella completed the

sharktrust.org/fundraise

WANT TO JOIN US?

THANK YOU to all our wonderful swimmers who have been swimming for sharks, so far £1,313 of the £5,700 target has been raised. If you’d like to be part of this challenge and help reach the target visit our website and sign up today. We need all you swimmers out there! Let’s see if we can complete the 5,700 mile migration route of a Blue Shark by the end of the year!

SWIM FOR SHARKS ▲

achievement!gain!a10walkedher£150.summerchallenge10/100/1000overtheraisingBellaandmumPatricia100kmoverdaysandcovering1000melevationWhatan

COWNOSERAYCREATUREFEATURE

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THEY CONCRETE-LIKEHAVEDENTALPLATES...PERFECTFORCRUSHINGSHELLS

The Cownose Ray is a species of eagle ray (which also includes the Bull Ray, Banded Eagle Ray and others). They are often mistaken for sharks from the beach, due to the tips of their fins sticking out of the water (resembling the dorsal fin of a shark).

T his month we’re showing off one of the lesser-known rays: the Cownose Ray, socalled due to the two lobes on the top of their head. When viewed from above, these lobes resemble a cow’s nose.

Typically, brown-backed, with a whitish or yellowish belly, it’s the Cownose Ray’s shape that is the key identifier; with its broad head, wide-set eyes, and pair of lobes on its subrostral (in front of the “face”) fin. They typically feed on clams, oysters and other invertebrates. Preferring to feed in early morning or late afternoon, when waves are calm, and visibility is good. They uncover their prey by stirring up the sand and sediment with their wings. Once located, Cownose Rays can create a vacuum with their mouths to suck up their prey from the seabed. They have a set of concrete-like dental plates which are perfect for crushing shells. In addition to their

strong mouths, the Cownose Rays have a few defensive abilities too. They are stingrays and have a barb on the base of their tails to defend themselves, which produces a toxin that injures theSocialaggressor.creatures, they typically swim in groups. They also migrate extremely long distances, often in schools of up to 10,000. Their migration is from the Gulf of Mexico to Trinidad, Venezuela and Brazil. Atlantic migration consists of the rays moving north in late spring and moving south in late autumn. Even though scientists can track their migration well (even from airplanes as the schools can be seen from the sky!), the reason for their migration is still a mystery. It’s unknown if it’s due to feeding or a pre-mating activity. They reach sexual maturity at 6 to 7 years and can live up to 21 years. Females give birth to live young, following an 11-12 month gestation period. They are listed as Vulnerable, due to extensive overfishing. Whilst the meat from Cownose Rays is not in-demand and thus they are not targeted by largescale operations. They are overfished in the Caribbean and along the Venezuelan coast – with declines in the population of up to 49% in the last 43 years.

The Shark Trust has partnered with national award-winning outdoor education provider - The Great Outtours - to produce an exciting range of educational resources. With sharks and rays as the inspiration. From beachcombing to craft challenges, these bundles of fun will provide hours of guided learning for children and adults alike.

MAXIMUM

DISTRIBUTION

@SharkTrustUK 25. CREATURE feature

phone.GREATOUT-TOURSCownose Ray Activity Bundle!

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Rhinoptera bonasu FAMILY: Rhinopteridae SIZE: 110cm wide DIET: oysters,Clams,hard clams, crustaceans and other invertebrates : Western Atlantic from southern New England to northern Florida (USA) and throughout the Gulf of Brazil.Venezuela,migratingMexico,toTrinidad,and HABITAT: Brackish and marine habitats, usually in shallow waters but have been found up to a depth of 60 m STATUS:

The latest activity bundle is the Cownose Ray! Find out more by scanning the QR code with your

VulnerableCownoseRay

26. sharktrust.org/careers “ ”

IT’S LIKE CHRISTMAS IS COMING EVERY DAY!

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL WORKING DAY LOOK LIKE? RICH It’s a very early start (around 5:30) so that I can get to the boat before everyone shows up. That way I don’t have to faff about with an audience! After loading the boat, myself and colleagues welcome everyone on board and give a thorough briefing, covering safety, best practice and a little about where collect DNA samples from sharks that can be used for genetic and population studies with minimal disturbance to the animals. Once the shark(s) are settled and we’ve observed their behaviour, I break out the highly sophisticated skin swab equipment…a toothbrush cabletied onto the end of a selfie stick. This simple set-up allows me to move easily in the water, getting close enough to the animals to collect a skin sample with minimal disturbance. we’re going and what we’re hoping to see. Once out in the Celtic Deep we switch the engine off and drift for several hours, with the tide and wind. We put scent bags in the water which generate a long trail that we hope will prove irresistible for sharks to follow and investigate. The sharks we’re most likely to attract are Blue Sharks. But we’ve had sightings of Mako, Porbeagle, Thresher and Basking Sharks. EMMA When we arrive in the Celtic Deep, I take a water sample for our eDNA project. We sample DNA from the water to investigate the distribution and occurrence of sharks, skates and rays in this region. Our second project is with Blue Sharks. We are building evidence to support non-capture methods to

I n this issue’s Day in the Life, we find out what it’s like to work for an ecotourism business. We chat to Emma (Guide & Researcher) and Richard (Founder & Director) of Celtic Deep, an operator offering boat trips from Dale (in Pembrokeshire, Wales).

NAME: Richard Rees & Emily Williams JOB TITLE: Founder & Director (Emma)Researcher(Richard)&Guide& conducting research Wales

sharktrust.org/careers

HIGHS – WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? EMMA Stepping onto the boat in the morning with wonderful colleagues, enthusiastic guests, and not knowing what the ocean might have in store for you today.

Despite studying marine biology for two years, it wasn’t until I took a placement year working with whale sharks that I learnt about the global decimation of sharks. The speed of their demise from direct human action, their ecological importance, and the lack of awareness from the general public was all the motivation I needed. Through combining scientific research and educational outreach, I hope to help promote the protection and recovery of sharks and their relatives around the UK and worldwide

Researcher Emma Williams takes a skin sample of a Blue Shark for DNA Analysis stresses and technology behind and simply paying close attention to nature in an area which is probably as close to wilderness as we can reach. It’s such a privilege. Add to that the opportunity to share the anticipation and - most of the time - the thrill of encountering iconic wildlife.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH YOU’D KNOWN BEFORE STARTING OUT?

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT ON THIS CAREER PATH? EMMA Be proactive. Look for and get involved with projects, whether they are exactly what you’re interested in or not. It’s all applicable and a great way to network. Use social platforms in a positive way to keep up to date with current research, legislation changes, and opportunities to get involved. Connect with people that share your passion for nature to stay inspired and motivated.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE THIS EMMACAREER?

RICH It’s sending people the dreaded message in the lead up to a trip, explaining that the trip is not able to go ahead due to the weather. Although everyone understands, the disappointment is palpable (we share it!). I really feel gutted for people, especially those that might be trying for a second or even third time! However, if it was straightforward, it wouldn’t have the same allure! In the UK it’s important to accept that you will need to work around or with the elements.

ORGANISATION: Celtic Deep

For more info check out: www.celticdeep.org

RICH We’re usually in the water for a couple of hours or more, whether the sharks turn up or not. As guides it’s about making sure the encounters are respectful to the target species, enjoyable and safe. We arrive back on dry land in the evening, around 7, and I’m home by 9. Long days, but with wildlife you have to put the time in!

RICH Probably, that conservation is more about people than it is wildlife!

LOWS – WHAT’S THE WORST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?

RICH For me it’s the sense of adventure. Heading out to sea, leaving land and all the Emma on deck during a tour

an offeringorganisationboat trips

WHERE’SWALLY? 30. sharktrust.org/pups-zone WALLY THE WALRUS HAS BEEN TRAVELLING AROUND THE UK AND FURTHER AFIELD THIS YEAR! NOT A SHARK, skate or ray… But a Walrus! Walruses live in the Arctic and are very rare in the UK. But a young male was spotted in Ireland earlier this year, thousands of kilometres from his home. He stayed for a few days before disappearing. He reappeared 800km away in Tenby, Wales. There he took up home on the lifeboat station. He was seen snoozing and lounging on the ramp that’s used to launch lifeboats into the sea. When he wasn’t eating, of course! The locals loved him so much, they gave him the name Wally. Walrus’ use their tusks to scrape the seabed. And crack open shellfish like mussels and oysters. Obviously Wally was eating well because he stayed in Tenby for three weeks! He then took a big tour South. He was spotted in Cornwall, France and Spain during May and June! He then spent two weeks in the Scilly Isles. Because there was no lifeboat ramp, he tried to jump onto boats to have a nap! He was then spotted in Ireland for a few weeks before disappearing completely. Finally, he was spotted in Iceland in September. Scientists think he’s making his way home back to the Arctic!

31.sharktrust.org/pups-zone COMPETITION YOUR CHANCE to win a copy of Let’s Go For a Walk – the brand-new book from Cbeebies presenter and wildlife cameraman HamzaHiddenYassin.within this issue is a cartoon of Wally the Walrus (the same as the one pictured here). The first person to spot him and let us know where he is will win a copy of the book! Please send your answer (a brief description of where he is) to focus@sharktrust.org for a chance to win! HINT It might not be in Pup’s Club, so be sure to check out every page of the magazine to see if you can find him!VECTEEZY.COMWINTER;TERRY© ANSWERS FOR PAGE 27 AND 28 EMOJI CODEBREAKER: 1 - Porbeagle 2 - Hammerhead Shark 3 - Nurse Shark 4 - Cownose Ray 5 - Guitar Fish 6 - Cookiecutter Shark MAZE: EXIT

10-year-old son Rufus raised £487 for Shark Trust on Monday 30th August by walking 14 miles! He walked with his mummy Olivia and Percy the cockapoo. His daddy, Greg, met them with lunch and they completed it in 4 hours 50 mins! Rufus loves sharks and watches anything on TV about them. His favourite presenters are Steve Backshall and David Attenborough and his dream is to go diving with sharks someday. The whole family think that everything the Shark Trust does is really valuable for our oceans and life in them. Keep up the good work!

JOSIAH RAISES AWARENESS FOR SHARKS!

Thomas has completed his sponsored bike ride doing a total of 25 miles, 5 more than planned! raising £186 so far! Thomas hopes to raise some more money through his treasure map and is writing to Blue Peter about his experience fundraising for his favourite animal. Shark Trust: Amazing work Thomas! WOW!

THOMAS TACKLES 25 MILES!

FIN-TASTIC!EMOJI CODEBREAKER Can you guess the species of Shark or Ray based on the emojis? UNBELIEVABLETheppetite. Feeding traditionalreferredcarrion,squid,beensharkTigerintheirOne :ANSWERSPage31 PHOTOGRAPHYFROGFISH© Emoji Code Breaker Can you work out the name of the animals based on the emojis? ��⛔�� 1- �� Emoji Code Breaker Can you work out the name of the animals based on the emojis? ��⛔�� 1- �� 2- '�� 3- �� ☀ 4- �� 5- �� ✂�� Answers: Emoji Code Breaker Can you work out the name of the animals based on the emojis? ��⛔�� 1- �� 2 '�� 3- �� ☀ 4 �� 3- �� ☀ 4- �� 5- �� ✂�� Answers: 1 Sawfish 2 Hammerhead Shark Nurse Shark 1. 3. 5. 2. 4. 6.

Shark Trust: It’s great to see young conservationists taking the initiative to raise awareness for Sharks!

I’ve reached out to the Shark Trust because they motivate me to build a great community and spread the word about how important sharks are to us and how they help maintain a healthy ocean. In addition to protecting our ocean’s sharks, I hope to teach others about sharks and how they are not these ruthless man-eaters as the media makes them out to be. If you want to get involved in shark conservation, now is the time. The community around shark conservation is very welcoming. Protecting our ocean’s sharks is one of the most important, if not the most important thing we can do to keep our oceans healthy and safe. The vital role of sharks in our lives and the health of the ocean makes them worth protecting, and it is up to us to protect them.

RUFUS RAISES £487!

Shark Trust: Awesome work Rufus! Thanks for all your support (and Percy and co!)

sharktrust.org/pups-zone29.

YOUR LETTERS WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! WRITE TO US AT FOCUS@SHARKTRUST.ORG AND YOU MAY APPEAR IN OUR NEXT ISSUE…

MAZE

:ANSWERSPage31

The Tiger Shark is known to have a really BIG APPETITE. They will eat almost ANYTHING! Feeding on VENOMOUS sea snakes, clams, crabs, squid, fish, sharks, rays, turtles, seals, dolphins, birds, carrion, and EVEN HUMAN RUBBISH. They’re also referred to as “THE TRASHCANS OF THE SEA”. They’ve been known to eat the most unusual items of any other sharks.

The Blue Whale eats 4 tonnes (4000kg!!) of plankton every day!

The Whale Shark eatsonly around 21kg every day whilst the White Shark only eats 17kg per day! The Pygmy Shrew only eats 5g per day… but that’s 125% of its bodyweight! That’s like a person weighing 7 stone (45kg) eating 8.75 stone (56kg) of food per day!

TIGER SHARKS have been found with all sorts of objects in their stomachs, from LICENSE PLATES to CAR TYRES. One of the more unusual objects was a set of traditional SENEGALESE DRUMS!

28.sharktrust.org/pups-zone

A Labrador only eats around 384g a day!

EXIT

UNBELIEVABLEAPPETITE!

BIG EATERS OF THE KINGDOM!ANIMAL

Can you help the Blue Shark pup get back to the open ocean?

sharktrust.org/pups-zone C P ! up’s lub achievements!!AllAMAZINGYOU’REYOURnewsand PUZZLES & GAMES Wally the Walrus has been travelling around the UK, and further afield this year! WHERE’SWALLY? FIND OUR HOW MUCH THE BIG EATERS EAT!! BIG EATERS ©TERRYWINTER